Can Amazon Echo Show Be Used as a Security Camera

TL;DR: Amazon Echo Show can indeed be leveraged as a makeshift security camera with certain limitations. The device’s ‘Drop In’ feature allows you to remotely access your Echo Show’s camera for live viewing. However, it lacks some traditional security camera features such as recording capabilities, motion detection, and alerts.

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For a deep dive into how to set this up, potential drawbacks, and practical alternatives, keep reading!

Echo Show as a Security Camera – How?

The Amazon Echo Show, with its integrated camera and screen, primarily functions as a smart display for communication, entertainment, and home automation. However, the question has often been raised – “Can I use my Amazon Echo Show as a security camera?” The answer is, to some extent, yes.

Here’s how:

1. Set up your Echo Show and ensure it is connected to the internet.
2. Enable the ‘Drop In’ feature. You can find this under the Communication settings in the Alexa app.
3. To view your Echo Show’s camera feed, simply use the ‘Drop In’ feature on another device with the Alexa app.

The ‘Drop In’ feature is like an instant video call, allowing you to see a live view of the room where your Echo Show is located.

However, a light will illuminate on the Echo Show during this access, meaning it isn’t a stealthy solution. Also, remember to respect privacy laws and the privacy of others in your home.

Echo Show as a Security Camera – Why Not?

While using Echo Show as a makeshift security camera is possible, it’s not designed for this purpose and falls short of a real security camera’s features. Here’s why:

• No recording capabilities: Echo Show’s ‘Drop In’ only provides live feeds. It does not record or store video footage, meaning you can’t review events retrospectively.
• No motion detection: Unlike traditional security cameras, the Echo Show does not have motion detection capabilities. Thus, it cannot alert you of suspicious movement in its field of view.
• No alerts: A key feature of security cameras is to provide alerts when they detect unusual activity. Unfortunately, this feature is also missing in Echo Show.
• Limited field of view: A standard security camera covers a wide field of view and can often be manually rotated. The Echo Show’s camera, on the other hand, has a fixed field of view.

A Better Solution – Echo Show with Ring Cameras

While Echo Show may not be the perfect security camera, it can integrate with actual security systems to enhance your home’s safety. A great example of this is using Ring security cameras with your Echo Show. Here’s why:

• Wide coverage: Ring security cameras are designed to cover a wide area and come in multiple models for different locations, both indoors and outdoors.
• Motion alerts: Ring cameras have motion detection capabilities, which alert you on your phone when suspicious movement is detected.
• Recording: Ring cameras can record and store video footage, enabling you to review them later.
• Live viewing on Echo Show: You can use your Echo Show to display live feeds from your Ring cameras, giving you a centralized dashboard for your security setup.

Making the Most of Your Echo Show’s “Security Camera”

If you’re still keen on using your Amazon Echo Show as a makeshift security camera, there are ways to optimize this function.

1. Strategic placement: Consider placing your Echo Show in areas of your home that are often accessed, like the living room or kitchen. Remember that it has a limited field of view, so positioning it to cover the maximum possible area is key.
2. Set up ‘Drop In’ on trusted devices: You can only access the Echo Show’s live feed from devices with the Alexa app and ‘Drop In’ enabled. Make sure to set this up on your smartphone, tablet, or other Echo devices for ease of access.
3. Integrate with a home automation system: If you’re using a home automation system, you can use routines to switch on the Echo Show’s screen when you’re not home. This can act as a deterrent to potential intruders.

Remember, however, that the Echo Show isn’t designed to be a full-blown security camera, and its use as one comes with privacy and security concerns.

For instance, if your Amazon account gets compromised, the intruder could potentially access your ‘Drop In’ feed. Therefore, it’s crucial to secure your account with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication, if available.

Alternatives to Using Echo Show as a Security Camera

While the Echo Show can function as a makeshift security camera, it’s not the only device capable of doing so. Other smart devices can provide similar, if not better, functionality.

1. Smart Doorbells: Smart doorbells like Ring and Nest Hello offer camera functionality. They can record, provide live feeds, and even offer features like motion detection and two-way communication.
2. Security Camera Systems: If home security is a major concern for you, I recommend investing in a full-fledged security camera system. Brands like Arlo, Nest, and Ring offer comprehensive solutions that include multiple cameras, motion detection, alerts, and recording capabilities.
3. Webcam with Security Software: If you have a spare webcam lying around, you can repurpose it into a security camera. There are various software options, both free and paid, that can convert your webcam into a surveillance device with motion detection and recording functionalities.

Echo Show as Part of a Larger Security Ecosystem

The Amazon Echo Show, when used in combination with other devices, can provide a robust home security solution. For instance, pairing it with Ring security cameras and a Ring Alarm system allows you to control and monitor your entire home security setup from one place.

Moreover, using Alexa Routines, you can automate security-related actions. For example, you could set up a routine that turns on your smart lights when your Ring camera detects motion, potentially deterring intruders.

Conclusion

While the Amazon Echo Show can be used as a security camera in a pinch, it’s clear that it lacks the essential features of a true security camera.

For serious security needs, I recommend investing in a dedicated security system, such as Ring. The Echo Show can then act as a control and viewing hub for your security setup.

FAQ

Can I use my Amazon Echo Show as a security camera?

Yes, you can use the ‘Drop In’ feature to view live feeds from your Echo Show’s camera. However, it’s not a perfect solution due to the lack of traditional security camera features.

Does Echo Show record like a security camera?

No, the Echo Show does not have recording capabilities. It only allows for viewing live feeds.

Can Echo Show alert me about suspicious movement like a security camera?

No, Echo Show does not have motion detection features and cannot alert you about any suspicious movement.

Can I use my Echo Show with a security system?

Absolutely, you can integrate your Echo Show with security systems like Ring, and use it as a control and viewing hub for your security setup.